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⚠️ Severe diarrhea after eating fresh fruits or vegetables? It could be Cyclosporiasis. Here's what you should know. . 1. What is cyclosporiasis? Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. . 2. How do infections occur? People become infected by consuming contaminated water, food, fresh vegetables or fresh fruits contaminated with fecal matter. The incubation period is typically 1–2 weeks. . 3. Common symptoms ● Severe watery diarrhea ● Stomach cramps ● Nausea ● Fatigue ● Loss of appetite ● Weight loss . 4. Who is at increased risk? Older adults and people with heart disease, kidney disease or weakened immune systems are at increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. . 5. Foods commonly linked to Cyclospora Fresh produce such as: ● Lettuce ● Leafy greens ● Berries ● Fresh herbs . 6. Washing fruits and vegetables may not be enough Washing fruits and vegetables helps remove dirt and some germs, but it may not completely remove Cyclospora. . 7. Cooking is more effective Cooking food thoroughly (at least 70°C / 158°F) is more effective at destroying the parasite. . 8. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables carefully ● Purchase produce from trusted suppliers. Check the country of origin, importer, and lot number whenever possible. ● If you buy fresh produce imported from the United States, such as asparagus, celery, romaine or iceberg lettuce, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, kale, rhubarb, and certain fresh herbs, follow official food safety alerts and product recalls, and check whether the product you purchased is included in the affected lot. ● Not all fresh produce from the United States is contaminated. Product recalls apply only to specific products or batches. . 9. When should you see a doctor? Seek medical attention immediately if you have: • severe or persistent diarrhea • decreased urination • dizziness • are unable to drink fluids • or have an underlying medical condition. . 10. How is it diagnosed? Doctors can diagnose cyclosporiasis through stool testing, including modified acid-fast staining or PCR testing. . 11. How is it treated? The first-line treatment for cyclosporiasis is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Depending on the severity of the illness, oral rehydration solution or intravenous fluids may also be required. . 12. Has Cyclospora been found in Thailand? Cyclospora has been identified in stool samples collected in Thailand, including a published report from Nan Province. Practicing safe food and water hygiene remains important. . Not every case of diarrhea is food poisoning. If your symptoms persist or you're unsure of the cause, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward the right treatment. . Samornrod Limmahakhun, M.D. Infectious Disease Specialist . View the doctor's profile and schedule: https://smtvj.com/3Twf6le . To make an appointment, chat with our staff at https://smtvj.com/3lwsORn, or click https://smtvj.com/312l8yF to submit an inquiry. . ✅ Samitivej Virtual Hospital: https://smtvj.com/3hl47Wt ✅ Website: www.samitivejhospitals.com ✅ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/samitivejhospital . References 1. Scientific American. "How to Avoid Getting Cyclosporiasis—and Why Washing Lettuce May Not Be Enough." https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-avoid-getting-cyclosporiasis-and-why-washing-lettuce-may-not-be-enough/. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Clinical Care of Cyclosporiasis." https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/hcp/clinical-care/index.html. 3. Mahidol University. "Recovery of Cyclospora cayetanensis among Asymptomatic Rural Thai Schoolchildren." Mahidol University, https://murex.mahidol.ac.th/en/publications/recovery-of-cyclospora-cayetanensis-among-asymptomatic-rural-thai/.